This is dedicated to Griffindell, who suggested it. First thing – you have now made me obsess over this song! Second – thank you for vicariously introducing me to Clay Aiken. I'm now in love with his voice.
This song was originally in Aladdin, but was cut when the story was restructured. As it was written by Menken and Ashman, I think it still qualifies as a Disney song, and it's beautiful. And means more love for my favourite Junior Hawke. You could consider this a follow up to Chapter 10, Reflection.
Proud Of Your Boy (Aladdin – cut) – Carver Hawke
Carver had been surprised at his mother's reaction to his choice to join the Templars. Her face had fallen, but she'd taken him into her arms for the first time in years.
"Are you sure?" she had asked, pensively.
"Yes, " Carver had replied, assuredly. "I have to – I've been living Marian's life for too long. I've got to… to find my own way."
Leandra nodded, biting her lip. Marian did that, too, thought Carver, when she was nervous. Though he had been bitter, angry, furious that his older sister hadn't thought he was qualified enough for the Deep Roads. But maybe it was the best thing she'd ever done for him. He wasn't going to be her shadow anymore. Even if that meant joining the thing she hated most. He wasn't going to let mad mages like that Anders destroy the only place he had left to call home.
Leandra was gazing at him. He shifted awkwardly on his feet, rubbing his neck. "Thing is," he muttered, "they want me to move into the barracks tomorrow."
Leandra gave a strangled gasp. "I understand," she whispered. Carver cursed inwardly. He hadn't considered that she would be alone, and there was still the chance that Marian wouldn't return from the Deep Roads. He quashed the sick feeling that rose at that. He'd already lost one sister, he couldn't –
No. He was leaving this behind.
But one look at his mother's face, and all he saw was her fear. "Mother," he said, softly, helping her into the chair by the fire. "I'll be alright. I need this. I need to…"
He fumbled for the right words. Leandra watched him, sadly.
"Proud of your boy," he said, kneeling on the floor next to her. "I'll make you proud of your boy. Believe me, bad as I've been, Ma, you're in for a pleasant surprise."
Leandra chuckled softly. Carver's shoulders slumped. "I've wasted time," he admitted, "I've wasted me." He snorted. "So say I'm slow for my age, a late bloomer, okay, I agree." He looked down. "I've been one rotten kid… Some son, some pride and some joy. But I'll get over these lousing up, messing up, screwing up times!"
He looked up again, holding his mother's hands, tightly. "You'll see, Ma, now comes the better part – someone's gonna make good, cross his stupid heart!" he promised, earnestly. "Make good and finally make you proud of your boy."
Leandra opened her mouth to speak, but Carver hushed her, standing and pacing along the sparsely furnished room. "Tell me that I've been a louse and a loafer," he urged, "you won't get a fight here, no ma'am." He turned back to her, desperately. "Say I'm a goldbrick, a goof-off, no good, but that couldn't be all that I am!"
He threw his arms in the air. She had to see that he was doing this for her as much as he was for himself. "Water flows under the bridge, let it pass, let it go!" he almost shouted, silently pleading for her to see past the idiot he used to be. "There's no good reason that you should believe me, not yet, I know, but…"
He knelt by her again, gazing up into her eyes as he had done countless times as a child. "Someday and soon, I'll make you proud of your boy!" he vowed, attempting a smile. "Though I can't make myself taller or smarter or handsome or wise – I'll do my best, what else can I do?" He gave a short, soft laugh. "I wasn't born perfect like Dad or you… Ma, I will try to – try hard – to make you proud of your boy."
There were tears in Leandra's eyes as she embraced her only son. Carver knew that she understood. He held her tightly, feeling, for the first time, that maybe – just maybe – she would finally see him as his own man.
And besides – if he was a Templar, no mad blood mage would ever hurt her. He wouldn't let them.
-0-0-0-0-
Even if you've never heard the song, go YouTube it. It's beautiful.
I probably love Carver too much. He's the only reason I ever play as a mage. Who are your favourite characters from the DA Universe? I'm curious! Mine are Carver, Zevran, and Nathaniel. And Shale. Who doesn't love Shale?
hotrod 333: I'm getting written soon! Hopefully it will be posted within the next few chapters :) hang in there! Also, thank you very much :)
Apollo. wings - I'm sorry, I only realise way after -_- I've put a space in now, hehehe :P
Ously Salvation - Oh, stop it, you :3 thanks very much, though :D
Prime24601 - Hahaha, a fun ride indeed, hopefully :3
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
It isn't really. Or it might be. Anyway.
I've got a poll up on my account so you guys can take a role in choosing which scenarios. These will be posted periodically if I have a song with a load of great suggestion and I'm stuck between them; instead, I'm asking you to choose instead! I'll let you know when a poll is posted and/or closed, so please give an author a hand and VOTE NOW! Hehe, I sound like an American voting commercial :L
Up Next: Cullen cannot escape the fire that burns in his skin.